Chickens could power electric grid

MANCHESTER scientists are on the brink of creating a power plant that runs on chicken droppings. The development could transform poultry farms into small-scale power stations generating enough electricity for an entire village.

MANCHESTER scientists are on the brink of creating a power plant that runs on chicken droppings.

The development could transform poultry farms into small-scale power stations generating enough electricity for an entire village.

Experts believe a 200kW generator using up to four tonnes of droppings every day could create enough energy to power about 200 homes. The scheme is part of a drive towards turning waste into a new type of fuel.

Half the power could be used for lighting and heating the farms - with the rest being fed into the national grid.